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Followed My Options Trading System with a Solid 18% Gain: Growing a Small Trading Account

Growing a small trading account is about sticking to a systematic approach, and today’s SPY trading session showcased the power of discipline with an 18% gain on a single trade. By following my options trading system and focusing on high-probability setups, I built my account while effectively managing risk. 


My goal with this post is to offer transparency on how to scale a small account, using my session as an example, and share actionable tips for small-account traders.

Economic News: U.S. Economic Update

Today, the U.S. ADP Employment Report for May 2025 showed that private payrolls increased by 152,000 jobs, below the expected 175,000, indicating a slowdown in hiring. 

Additionally, the Services PMI from ISM rose to 53.8, above forecasts of 52.5, reflecting growth in the services sector despite labor market concerns.

Today’s SPY Trading Session: A Disciplined 18% Gain

SPY opened with a slight gap up, followed by a three-candle surge to form the top of the 15-minute range, with a high of $597.95 and a low of $596.81. 

A strong bearish power bar broke through the 15-minute low, but quickly reversed, forming a bottoming tail bar—uniquely disguised with half of it appearing as a green bar. The price retraced to retest the 15-minute low and began declining again.

I waited for the red candle to take out the tail at $596.27, confirming my entry. 

I entered SPY 6/4 596 puts at $1.26 (Entry 1), adjusted my stop as the price approached the 595 reaction zone, and exited at $1.49 for an 18% gain. 

This quick play was executed flawlessly, following all my rules—patience for the retest, a clear entry signal, and a strategic exit. 

With such a solid trade, I chose not to rush into another, even though a 15-minute reclaim opportunity emerged later. I prefer sticking to breakout and breakdown retests. 

With my trading window over, I ended the day on a high note, expecting a range day between the 595 reaction zone and the 15-minute high.

Trading Session 6/4/25 (3-minute)

Key Observations:
  • The bottoming tail bar, despite its green disguise, signaled a reversal, setting up the breakdown retest.
  • Waiting for the red candle to confirm the tail break ensured a high-probability entry.
  • Exiting near the 595 reaction zone secured profits before a potential bounce in a range-bound market.
Order Fills 6/4/25

Post-Trade Reflection: The Value of Systematic Execution

This session reinforced the importance of following my options trading system—patience for a breakdown retest and disciplined execution led to an 18% gain, a solid boost for my small account. 

By limiting myself to one trade and walking away after a win, I avoided overtrading and preserved my mental clarity —a key lesson from past sessions, such as 'My Dear Friend, Loss Has Returned!' 

Growing a Small Account: Steps to Scale with Systematic Trading

Scaling a small account requires a systematic approach to maximize gains while minimizing risk. Here’s how I’m doing it, with tips for other small-account traders, inspired by today’s session:
  • Focus on Breakout/Breakdown Retests: Wait for setups like my 15-minute breakdown retest to confirm entries with clear signals, such as a red candle break.
  • Follow Your Rules Strictly: Stick to your system—my entry, stop adjustment, and exit near the 595 reaction zone, followed my plan perfectly.
  • Limit Trades After Wins: After an 18% gain, step back to avoid overtrading and preserve your capital and focus.
  • Journal and Reset: Document your trades and reset your mindset after each session to maintain consistency and clarity.

The Power of Transparency: Small Wins Build Big Growth

Transparency means sharing the wins that drive growth—today’s 18% gain on a small account shows how systematic trading can lead to steady progress. 

For small-account traders, these disciplined trades form the foundation for long-term success, demonstrating that consistency and patience are essential for scaling up.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Traders

Today’s session highlighted the importance of systematic trading for small accounts. Here are actionable takeaways:
  • Wait for Retests: Use 15-minute breakdown retests to confirm entries with clear signals.
  • Stick to Your System: Follow your rules for entries, stops, and exits, as I did near the 595 reaction zone.
  • Avoid Overtrading: Step back after a solid win to maintain discipline.
  • Journal Regularly: Reset your journal to prepare for the next session with a clear mind.

Video Review: Learning from Recorded Sessions

I recorded both my pre-market process and today’s session to analyze my decisions in real time. Watch the videos below to see my preparation, the SPY price action, and my breakdown trade. Reviewing recordings helps you:
  • Understand Pre-Market Prep: See how I set up for the day.
  • Spot High-Probability Setups: Learn how I confirmed the breakdown with a tail break.
  • Reinforce Discipline: See the value of stepping back after a win.
Check out the videos to apply these lessons to your trading!

Conclusion

Today’s SPY trading session was a success—I followed my options trading system, securing an 18% gain that boosted my small account. Small-account traders focus on systematic trades, limit overtrading, and maintain a consistent journal to grow steadily.

How do you stay disciplined with a small account? Share your tips in the comments or connect with me on X for more trading insights!

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